Winter in Amman really stands out from the city’s long, dry summers. You’ll feel cooler, wetter conditions settle in. Daytime temperatures usually hover between 12°C and 15°C, but at night, they often dip close to 4°C. That’s definitely the coldest stretch of the year.
Rain picks up during winter, and January tends to be the wettest month. The extra moisture gives the city’s air a crisp, fresh feel.
You’ll notice daylight hours drop in winter, with about 10 hours in December. That shapes how you plan your days. Snow doesn’t fall often, but when it does—especially in the higher neighborhoods—it creates a pretty memorable scene.
Cool air, damp streets, and less sunshine really define the season.
If you visit in winter, you’ll see how the weather shapes local life. Markets, cafes, and cultural spots stay busy, but you’ll want to keep warm layers and maybe an umbrella handy.
This mix of chilly nights, mild afternoons, and seasonal rain gives you a real sense of what winter in Amman is like.
Overview of Winter Weather in Amman
Winter in Amman means cool temperatures, occasional rain, and shorter days than the rest of the year. You’ll get mild to chilly days, cold nights, and a mix of clear skies with patches of cloud and rain.
Typical Winter Temperatures
From December through February, Amman gets its coldest weather. Daytime highs usually land between 10°C and 15°C (50°F to 59°F), while nighttime lows drop to 3°C to 6°C (37°F to 43°F).
Freezing temperatures don’t happen often, but you might see them on clear January nights. Sometimes, the mercury dips close to 0°C (32°F), and you can spot frost early in the morning.
Snow doesn’t fall often, but it’s not unheard of. Usually, it’s light and melts quickly, though some winters bring heavier snow. Most visitors find the cold manageable if they dress in layers and bring a warm jacket.
Precipitation Patterns
Rain concentrates in Amman during the winter months. Most of the city’s annual rainfall arrives between November and March, with January as the wettest month.
You’ll probably see about 8–10 rainy days per month in midwinter. Rain usually comes in short bursts, not long, steady showers. That can make the weather feel a bit unpredictable—clear mornings, then rain later.
Snow is much rarer than rain, but when it falls, it adds a special touch to the city. Amman’s winter climate stays semi-arid, so even in the wettest months, rainfall totals stay moderate compared to other places.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Winter days in Amman are shorter. You’ll get about 10 hours of daylight in December, which slowly increases by February. The sun rises around 6:30–7:00 a.m., and sets near 5:00 p.m. in midwinter.
Even with shorter days, you’ll still catch a fair bit of sunshine. Clear skies break up the rainy periods, and the city averages 5–6 hours of sun per day in winter.
The lower sun angle gives a softer, warmer light. The city’s stone buildings and hills look extra vivid. Outdoor sightseeing feels comfortable on sunny afternoons, but evenings cool off fast once the sun goes down.
Monthly Breakdown of Winter Weather
Winter in Amman means cooler temperatures, shorter days, and the most rainfall of the year. Each month brings its own changes—December starts the wet season, January feels coldest, and February hints at spring.
December Weather Details
December brings winter back across Amman Governorate. Daytime highs average about 14°C (57°F), while nighttime lows can fall near 5°C (41°F).
You’ll notice chilly evenings, especially up in the hills.
Rain becomes more frequent now. On average, 40–50 mm of precipitation falls, spread out over several days. Light showers happen a lot, but heavier rain isn’t out of the question, so an umbrella or waterproof jacket comes in handy.
Daylight sits at around 10 hours, with limited sunshine compared to other parts of the year. Clouds roll in more often, and damp air can make it feel colder than the numbers say.
If you’re planning to explore, December is doable but calls for warm clothes. Outdoor plans work best in the middle of the day when it’s a bit warmer.
January Weather Details
January usually brings the coldest weather to Amman. Highs average around 12°C (54°F), and lows can dip to 3–4°C (38°F). You might see frost overnight, especially in higher neighborhoods.
Rainfall peaks now, averaging 60–65 mm. You’ll probably run into 10–12 rainy days, making this the wettest time of year. Roads get slick, and sometimes there’s localized flooding in low spots.
Sunshine is limited, with days lasting about 10 hours and lots of cloud cover. Damp air and cool winds make evenings feel colder than you’d think.
Travelers should bring layers and a heavier jacket, and keep plans flexible in case of rain. Indoor spots like museums or cafes are great options when storms roll through.
February Weather Details
By February, you’ll notice a slow shift toward spring. Daytime highs climb to about 13–14°C (56–57°F), while lows stay near 5°C (41°F). Nights are still cold, but afternoons start to feel milder.
Rain remains common, averaging 55–60 mm, but rainy days start to drop off compared to January. Showers are lighter and less frequent, so you get more dry spells for outdoor time.
Daylight stretches a bit, now over 11 hours, which gives you more time to get out and see things. Sunshine picks up, but clouds still show up pretty often.
If you visit in February, pack for cool and damp weather, but expect more chances to explore outside than earlier in winter. Light layers and a rain jacket usually do the trick.
Temperature Fluctuations and Extremes
Winter in Amman brings cool days and colder nights. Temperatures shift a lot between daytime and after sunset. The season isn’t harsh compared to colder places, but the difference between highs and lows can change how you dress or plan your day.
Daytime and Nighttime Variations
During winter, Amman’s daytime highs usually land between 55°F (13°C) and 60°F (16°C). The sun often makes afternoons feel warmer than you’d expect. You can walk around the city in a light jacket or sweater.
At night, things cool off fast. Average lows drop to about 40°F (4°C), and sometimes get close to freezing. Indoors, the chill can feel stronger since many buildings don’t have central heating.
The big swing between day and night means you should dress in layers. That way, you can adjust as the temperature changes.
| Time of Day | Typical Range | Clothing Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Afternoon | 55–60°F (13–16°C) | Light jacket |
| Evening | 40–44°F (4–7°C) | Warm sweater/coat |
Record Highs and Lows
Most winter temperatures stay moderate, but Amman has seen some extremes. Occasionally, daytime highs have reached the upper 60s°F (around 20°C), so you might get a surprise taste of spring.
The colder end is more dramatic. Nighttime lows can fall near 32°F (0°C), and frost shows up in exposed spots. Snow happens, but it’s usually light and melts quickly. When a heavier snow falls, it can disrupt travel since the city isn’t set up for snow removal.
These extremes show just how much winter in Amman can vary. Most days are manageable, but you’ll want to prepare for sudden cold snaps or the occasional warm afternoon.
Precipitation and Humidity Trends
Winter brings most of Amman’s rainfall and higher humidity compared to the dry summer. Rain usually falls in short, scattered bursts, and humidity changes from month to month.
Rainfall Frequency
Rain concentrates between November and March, with December, January, and February as the wettest months. You’ll see occasional showers every week, but they’re usually brief, not all-day events.
January averages about 8–10 rainy days, and February is similar. Total winter rainfall usually hits 40–60 mm per month, depending on the year. Snow is rare, but can fall in the higher areas of Amman Governorate.
Rain usually comes as light to moderate showers, but heavier bursts roll in during storms. Streets might flood for a bit, but water drains quickly on the city’s hills. If you’re going out, a light rain jacket or umbrella is a smart move.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~45 | 8 |
| January | ~50 | 9 |
| February | ~48 | 9 |
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Amman climbs in winter, especially mornings and evenings. The air feels damper in January, when relative humidity averages around 65–70%.
February and December are a bit less humid, closer to 55–65%. Even then, the air doesn’t feel heavy since temperatures stay cool.
During the day, humidity drops as the sun and wind dry things out. At night, it rises again, and you might notice condensation on windows or cooler surfaces.
If you’re sensitive to damp air, winter is really the only time in Amman Governorate when you’ll feel it. The rest of the year stays much drier, with May sometimes dropping to 34% humidity.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
Winter in Amman brings steady winds and stable air pressure. These factors affect how cold it feels, how clear the sky gets, and how comfortable it is to be outside.
Prevailing Winds
Winds in Amman during winter usually blow from the west and northwest. These bring cooler air from the Mediterranean, which helps drop temperatures and can boost the chance of rain.
The average wind speed stays moderate, so you won’t face many extreme gusts. Still, wind can make evenings feel colder. Open hillsides and rooftops catch the strongest breezes, while valleys stay calmer.
About 40% of winter winds come from the west, and northwest winds make up nearly 17%. Southern and eastern winds don’t show up much but sometimes bring drier air.
When you’re planning outdoor time in winter, remember the wind often picks up in the afternoon. If you’re sensitive to cold, a wind-resistant jacket really helps.
Atmospheric Pressure
Amman sits at about 850–1,000 meters (2,800–3,300 feet) above sea level. That elevation affects air pressure, which averages lower than at sea level.
In winter, pressure levels stay pretty steady, but small drops usually mean rain is on the way. Expect values around 1010–1015 hPa, with only minor ups and downs as weather fronts pass.
Stable pressure helps keep skies clear in winter. When pressure falls, clouds build and light rain is more likely. These changes happen gradually, so you usually have some warning.
For travelers, this means you won’t see many sudden weather shifts like you might near the coast. The mix of moderate pressure and predictable changes makes Amman’s winter easier to plan for.
Regional Context: Amman Governorate and Surroundings
Amman Governorate covers a lot of ground, with everything from city centers to rural highlands. Elevation, exposure, and how close you are to valleys all influence what winter feels like across the region.
Weather Differences Within the Region
When you travel around Amman Governorate, you’ll spot some real contrasts in winter weather, mostly because of the altitude. Amman itself sits at about 850 to 1,000 meters above sea level, so winters feel cool and often pretty damp.
If you wander into the higher neighborhoods, you might notice the temperatures drop a few degrees compared to the downtown basin. It’s just one of those quirks of living in a hilly city.
The rural areas out west and northwest, especially near the hills, usually get colder at night. Frost pops up more often in these spots, and you’ll see a bit more rainfall, thanks to orographic lift.
On the other hand, the eastern parts of the governorate slope down toward the desert. These areas stay drier and get fewer rainy days, which honestly isn’t too surprising.
Snow doesn’t show up often, but when it does, the hilltops catch it first. So, depending on where you are, your winter experience can change a lot, sometimes within just a quick drive.
Comparison to Other Jordanian Cities
When you look at Amman next to other Jordanian cities, the differences really stand out. Irbid sits up north and gets more rain in winter, probably thanks to those highlands and a bit of Mediterranean influence.
That rain makes Irbid wetter and a touch greener during the season.
Zarqa sits east of Amman, hanging out at a lower elevation and edging closer to the desert. Winters in Zarqa feel drier and milder, with less rain and not so many cloudy days.
If you travel between Amman and Zarqa in the same week, you’ll notice the contrast.
Down south, Karak and Ma’an both bring their own quirks. Karak, up on a plateau, gets colder nights and sometimes even frost.
Ma’an, tucked deep in the desert, has pretty mild winter days but those evenings can get surprisingly chilly.
So, Amman’s climate really lands somewhere between the wetter north and the dry, desert south.